Herbert J. Raad
Herbert J. Raad, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 84. His life was one of perseverance, hard work, and accomplishment.
Born on December 9, 1941, in Kempten, Germany, Herb spent his earliest years amid the hardships of World War II. While living in Heidelberg, he sheltered in a cellar during the first four years of his life, and his family’s home was firebombed three times. His father, also named Herbert, died while serving in the German Army when Herb was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his three sisters.
Herb finished school at 14 and completed trade school at 16, where he trained as a machinist. By 17, he was working full-time on the railroads in Sweden to help support his family. In 1961, at the age of 20, he boarded a ship bound for the United States, determined to build a new life.
He spent time in Boston, where his lifelong love for the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics began. In 1964, Herb was drafted into the United States Army, where he served until 1966.
After a bitterly cold Boston winter reminded him too much of Germany, Herb decided to head west. He packed up his car and set out, stopping in Texas to work for a couple of months before continuing his journey to the west coast.
In the summer of 1966, Herb arrived in Santa Barbara, the place he would come to call home. As he liked to tell it, he had just enough money left for a cup of coffee and a newspaper—and it was through that newspaper that he found a job. He began working the night shift at Vero’s, sleeping in his car for the first couple of months until he could get back on his feet.
A change in his work schedule would soon change his life forever. In June 1967, Herb was asked to work the day shift, where a beautiful young woman named Arlene caught his eye. They married on September 30, 1967, and made their home in Santa Barbara. Their first son, Herbie, arrived in 1973, followed by Eric in 1976.
In 1977, Herb joined Joslyn Electronics, which later became Danaher, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. The following year, he moved to the Lompoc Valley. There, he enjoyed retirement surrounded by good friends, watching sports and spending time at the Elks Lodge and American Legion Hall.
Of all the chapters in Herb’s life, being a grandfather brought him extraordinary joy.
His grandson Hunter was born on December 8, 2009, just hours before Herb’s own birthday. Herb had jokingly asked Eric whether Natalie could hold on a little longer so they could share the same birthday. Hunter arrived on his own schedule, but having birthdays just one day apart became another special connection between them.
The arrival of his granddaughter Savannah, lovingly known as Savvy, on September 9, 2015, brought even more happiness. Together, his grandchildren became the light of his life.
Herb and his son Eric shared a close friendship built on weekly lunches, nightly conversations, and a shared love of sports. For years, Eric drove to Lompoc to spend time with his father. When Hunter was born and traveling with a newborn became more difficult, Herb happily took his turn making the drive. Father and son traded trips between Lompoc and Santa Barbara, keeping their weekly visits a cherished tradition.
Herb would do anything to spend time with his son and the grandchildren he adored. As Hunter and Savvy grew, those visits came to include Little League baseball, youth football, and dance performances. Herb loved watching them pursue their interests and never missed a birthday. The time he had always treasured with Eric became even more meaningful as he watched Eric’s children grow.
For years, Herb and Eric spoke every night. Once the grandchildren arrived, the calls settled into a familiar time: 8:15 p.m. Herb wanted the full report—what Hunter and Savvy had done that day, what they were learning, and what was new in their lives. There was always time to talk about his beloved Red Sox and Boston Celtics, but his family remained at the heart of every conversation.
Herb was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Arlene A. Raad.
He is survived by his son Herbie (Nathan); his son Eric (Natalie); and his two beloved grandchildren, Hunter and Savvy.
From a childhood marked by war to a life filled with family, Herb built something lasting through determination, hard work, and love. His journey took him across countries and continents, but his role in life he treasured the most was that as a grandfather, known ro his grandchildren as “Pappa”. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
A graveside service was held on September 8, 2026, at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
